Kids aren’t little adults, but evidence indicates children with high blood pressure face many of the same risks as hypertensive adults. Consequently, children 3 years of age or older should have their blood pressure checked when they see a health care provider, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The NIH emphasizes that rates of obesity and hypertension are increasing among adults and children. And high blood pressure at a young age puts your child at a greater risk for developing hypertension in adulthood. Here’s my take on this worrisome condition and what you need to know about detecting high blood pressure in kids.
Blood pressure rising
Researchers looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected from 1988-94, and compared it to data from 1999-2000. Over this period of time the systolic blood pressure of children increased an average of 1.4 millimeters of mercury. And diastolic pressure increased an average of 3.3 millimeters of mercury among U.S. kids. The systolic pressure is the upper number and the diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading.
“Systolic and diastolic blood pressure has increased substantially among children and adolescents in the United States,” the researchers remark. “Given the relationship between (obesity) and blood pressure and the high and unabated increase in the prevalence of overweight in the United States, the incidence of hypertension is likely to increase.”
Putting kids at risk
The long-term health risks for hypertensive children and adolescents are substantial. Heart enlargement — in the form of left ventricular hypertrophy — is the most common problem that can occur. Severe elevations in blood pressure may result in convulsions, stroke and heart or kidney failure. With milder increases in blood pressure, plaque may build up prematurely in coronary arteries and other blood vessels in the body. Kids with high blood pressure also face an increased risk of persistent hypertension in adulthood, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes or sudden cardiac death.
Advice from the NIH
The National High Blood Pressure Education Program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, offers some advice about kids. Starting at the age of 3 years, all children should have their blood pressure measured routinely. In addition, children with specific health conditions may need to have their blood pressure checked starting at an earlier age.
Measuring blood pressure
The NIH notes that high blood pressure occurs commonly in children and is detectable with proper screening. Health professionals should take diagnostic measurements using conventional blood pressure cuffs, which are generally more reliable for this purpose than automatic devices. An elevated blood pressure reading must be confirmed on repeat visits.
A blood pressure reading higher than the 95th percentile on several occasions is diagnostic of hypertension in kids. Measurements between the 90th and 95th percentile are termed prehypertensive. A provider can determine your child’s percentile based on gender, age, height and blood pressure measurements.
Along with obesity, hypertension has become an important health issue confronting our children. I’d advise talking to your provider about having your child’s blood pressure checked regularly.
For more information go to the National Institutes of Health’s Web site at www.nih.gov.
E-mail comments to doctor@practicalprevention.com. Dr. Smoots’ columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider.
&Copy; 2009 Elizabeth S. Smoots
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